Stories from December, 2016
Malaysians Can Have Their Cake and Eat It Too Inside McDonald's — But Only If It's Halal
"Has halal political correctness gone overboard? Will we one day see moral police invading houses to ensure that we are eating only halal food? When will common sense prevail?"
A Satellite Launch Lights Up the Night Sky Over Japan
"A beautiful glow in the nighttime sky." "It was really impressive."
There Were Many Bright Spots to Be Found Amid the Doom and Gloom of 2016
Here's a list of 41 Global Voices stories about the strength and creativity of the human spirit, proving that 2016 wasn't an annus horribilis through and through.
Central Asia in 2016: The More Things Change…?
"Why do they mess about? They should just appoint themselves immortals and pass a law banning death from visiting them."
Bangladesh Blocks 560 Porn Sites
Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, where many people have expressed concerns about the spread and consumption of online pornography. But it is also a democracy.
In 2016, a Toxic Political Smog Spread Over China and Hong Kong
What's worse? Environmental smog or political smog?
A Year of Violence in Bangladesh
Groups linked to ISIS, Ansar Al Islam or Ansarullah Bangla Team have claimed responsibility for violent attacks on intellectuals and regular citizens. What does this mean for the future?
‘The Long Arms of the Kremlin?': Kazakh Man Goes to Prison for Insulting Vladimir Putin on Facebook
With traditional media in the country heavily restricted, social media is an obvious forum for information warfare between the Kazakh nationalists and ethnic Russians.
This Was Also the Year of Citizen Heroes in Latin America
Global Voices reviews the Latin American stories in 2016 that taught us about fighting back.
In the Social Media Age, How Should Jamaica’s Head of Government Communicate?
"Jamaica’s Prime Minister [uses] social media. To imply that the press is asking hard-hitting questions that only they are capable of asking, is negating the opinions of the public."
Iranian Civil Rights Defender Continues Hunger Strike, Protesting His Wife's Arrest For Fiction Writings
The campaign to free civil rights defender Arash Sadeghi has reached a critical point. Two months into his hunger strike, many worry Sadeghi's life is on the line.
‘Painting on Death': One Syrian Artist's Mission Under Siege in Douma
"We will make a Christmas tree from your shells and bombs, and light it for peace in our wounded Ghouta."
In 2016, These YouTube Channels From India Offered Meaningful Content
YouTube India is not all songs, pranks or cat videos.
‘Learning to Live with the Narco in Mexico’, Stories from Survivors of the War on Organized Crime
"We must urgently portray the faces of those who face fear."
What We're Wishing for in 2017
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Japanese Prime Minister Observes Pearl Harbor Anniversary
When Prime Minister Abe Shinzo didn't really mention the war when he visited Pearl Harbor for the 75th anniversary of Japan's surprise attack against the United States.
Classic Christmas Carols, Satirically Reimagined as Songs About Hong Kong Politics
To the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas: "Causeway Bay’s boss bought a banned book. He was then arrested, convicted, forced to apologize and escorted to the Shenzhen police station."
Vietnamese Mother Goddesses Religion Receives UN Recognition
"The worshipping of the Mother Goddesses also contributes to the appreciation of women and their roles in society.”
Bangladesh’s New Year's Celebration of Diversity: Into the Deep Podcast
What might look like just a street party is actually a creative stand for unity—and against the forces of intolerance who seek to divide and oppress Bangladeshis.
Homeless People Outside Tehran Are Taking Refuge in Empty Graves
Images of homeless people in Iran taking refuge in empty graves outside Tehran have been sweeping Persian social media.
Myanmar's Most Memorable Moments in 2016
As 2016 comes to an end, The Irrawaddy showcases the best photographs that capture Myanmar’s most iconic moments.
